“Désirée!” I almost screamed when she appeared outside our compartment. While appearing near dead on the outside, I was very much alive and awake. And the chance to escape the drawling bore that was Cassie's gossiping voice was a chance too good to pass. So I had scrambled myself off my seat and to the door as Désirée walked pass, scaring a sleepy Tallia and disturbing a mumbling Cassandra. Désirée stopped just as her hand reached the carriage door, her face confused she turned towards to me with hesitation. Across the aisle the inhabitants of the compartment Bianca had disappeared into were staring at me, obviously in hearing distance of my unpleasant shriek. Harper Jordan grinned at me. Rose Weasley was laughing. Albus Potter and Lake Orion looked a little confused and slightly amused. Bianca looked disapproving, but a hint of a smile was on her lips. The sullen face of Scorpius Malfoy showed no emotion. I beamed sheepishly at them, before turning to the girl beside me. I managed to look just as she hugged me. I hurriedly completed the hug.

“Shh, she'll hear you,” I hissed, pulling away from her and turning to look back at the pair. Luckily, the door had some how closed itself behind me. Tallia's eyes were bulging out of their sockets and Cassie's mouth was hanging unattractively open. I fought hard not to laugh. I failed, but I manage to turn before they realised it was directed at them.

Without reluctance I had told Désirée about Tallia and Cassie and it had felt strangely relieving to tell someone and have another person on my side about the whole situation. In a way I almost felt bad about saying things that convinced Désirée to hate two girls she barely knew. I also thought I was being a good friend by warning her about Tallia.

“The one with the tanned skin and straight black hair, yes, that's Tallia,” I said out the side of my mouth, without looking into the compartment. “I would introduce you but …”

“She eez a self serving cow and Cassie eez too shy for an introduction to a Veela?” Désirée implied.

I laughed. Those were words I had told her four days ago. Merlin, knew what we were talking about.

“Uhh, the one on the left,” I replied questioningly, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Perfect.” she smiled pleasantly as she rolled her r's. She stepped forward and swiped the door open, too viciously to be a polite entrance. “I am very sorry,” she said, not even glancing at the frozen pair in the seat to her right. “But Louis requires Rette instantly! 'E 'as business with 'er – or something like zat.” She smiled mockingly as she pulled my suitcase and broom off the metal rack. My trunk smacked against the ground with an echoing crack. I jumped in my skin, someone down the carriage laughed. “Goodbye!” Désirée heaved the suitcase into the carriage corridor and slid the door closed behind her. I laughed appreciatively. “Zat was easy.”

“It was?” I asked, raising an eyebrow and silently making my suitcase levitate in the air. A first-year ran head first into it and tumbled to the ground shamelessly, he was up and gone before I could ask if he was OK.

“Zey did not protest,” she explained, scooting around the suitcase and pulling open the carriage door.

“I didn't expect them to.” I said, working my way into the next carriage, while controlling my floating suitcase with it.

Désirée sighed. “One day you will 'ave 'ad enough of zem and you will blow a bomb in zeir faces. Get me front row tickets, will you?”

I laughed, despite the fact she had just told me I couldn't stand up for myself. “Next to Lysander?”

That shut her up.

I smiled at her silence. “So, does Louis actually need me or were you just making that up?”

“Eet was all made up, of course,” she said, taking my wand and directing the suitcase herself. “Do you think eet worked?”

“Yeah, I think they were too shocked to actually hear what you were saying, anyway.”

She nodded. “Ooh, you will not believe it! Tante Fleur invited over Professor Kurtson yesterday and 'e sorted me into a 'ouse!”

“Really! What did you get into?”

“Slytherin,” she said sadly and a little bit nervously.

“Oh.” I said, not exactly sure how she wanted me to react. “That's a shame, I really wanted to have you in the same dorm as me.”

She smiled, and I felt warmth spread through me. I was really getting the hang of this consolation thing.

“'Ere we are,” said Désirée making my suitcase crash unceremoniously into the compartment door so someone would have the courtesy to open it from the inside. Lysander's grinning face appeared at the window and the door slid open. Désirée walked in without a word and conducted the suitcase onto the metal rack above Louis' head. I followed her in nervously, tucking my wand away as she passed it to me.

“Even when you're smacking a suitcase into a window you do it so gracefully.” said Lysander, barely paying attention to my existence and almost closing the door on me. Désirée rolled her eyes and sat in the seat between Louis and my cousin on my Dad's side Elizabeth Levi.

I grimaced and took the only free seat next to Lysander, who was staring obliviously at my chest. “Thank you for bringing attention to that fact, Liz.”

“No problem,” she nodded, obviously thinking she had done me a great favour. Louis was giving Lysander his perfected death glare. He picked up Liz's discarded shoe and threw it at his head.

“OW! What was that for?” he shrieked in a high-pitched voice that made Désirée giggle.

“Stop staring at my cousin you git!”

Lysander rolled his eyes and took to staring at Louis' other cousin. I suddenly realised three of the four people in here with me were related to me somehow. I blamed it on Wizards and their rabbit breeding. If someone disagreed you could always take Louis' family and use them as proof. Half the Hogwarts population was related to a Weasley somehow. Take me for example, cousin of Louis, Victoire and Dominique. Then there's Harper who was Freddie's and Roxanne's cousin. And finally Lake Orion, my sister's friend who was Molly's and her younger sister's cousin. The list goes on and on.

“So Rette, I hear you've been spending a lot of time with Dare Aitkins lately?” Liz suggested, watching Louis and Lysander's argument with admiration.

“Yeah, she's pretty cool actually.”

Liz took her eyes of Louis and gave me an apprehensive look. “So, do you … y'know?”

“What?” I asked, looking at her cautiously. “Do I – what?”

“I guess you don't know …” she said, looking disappointed that I had no idea what she was on about.

“Know what!?” I asked exasperatedly, my mind reeling with aggravation that she had brought on.

“I guess she'll tell you in your own time.”

“Liz, don't be a bitch. You can't just say that then not tell me!” I almost yelled, but she had already turned away and started a conversation with Désirée. To my surprise no one even acknowledged my little outburst and suddenly I found myself feeling invisible and unnoticed. I didn't belong here, with these people. Louis and Désirée only associated with me because I was related to them. Liz was – and I'll admit it – a bit of a cow and Lysander was simply a person I didn't know well enough to judge. I shouldn't have been sitting in a compartment with them, but I didn't know which compartment I should have been sitting in. There wasn't any compartment I seemed to belong in.

I tried to push away the thoughts Liz had placed in my mind about Dare. A couple of years ago Liz and Dare had fallen out over some unknown reason and ever since they had never been seen conversing together. I could only assume that Liz was just trying to stir up some long forgotten shit and take it out on our friendship, but I couldn't help but feel there was some hidden meaning behind her words. Like there was something I should know about Dare, but she hadn't told me because it really was something that could ruin our friendship. It might have even been the thing that ruined their friendship.

All I knew was that I didn't want to know about it, but I couldn't help but yearn for the information.

*

I had one side of my head pressed up against the window and was watching the barren landscape flit by. The beginning of a light drizzle was creating tiny droplets of water against the window and the smothering of white cloud was slowly advancing into a solemn, grey mass. Much to my appreciation Liz and Lysander had left to find the Trolley Girl, who upon spotting Louis had deliberately avoided coming to this compartment, which resulted in shoe throwing from Lysander's side. Désirée was now draped across the seat from mine with her sock-clad feet on Louis' legs. I had my arms wrapped around my legs and my school robes draped over my shoulders. Tallia and Cassie had flitted past once or twice, staring into the carpet like it was telling an interesting story.

Louis and I had barely said any words to each other, but I didn't really mind and I could tell he didn't either. He was staring with a vacant expression at the wall behind my head and he looked like he would be out for a long time.

Even in her sleep Désirée was still beautiful. Her face didn't mush into her hand, there was no collection of drool developing in the corner of her mouth and her hair was splayed over her shoulder smoothly and without any mess or frizz. In her sleep she had a grace and innocence she could never acquire while conscious.

Louis shook himself out of his reverie, looked up at me and grinned cheekily. Despite the surprise of his sudden happiness I couldn't help but beam back at him.

“What?” I asked in a high-pitched child-like voice. In my head I pictured a twinkle-eyed four-year-old version of myself smiling cheekily at my dad.

“So you and James, huh?” said Louis, his voice cocky. I felt an annoying twinge in my stomach at his name, but laughed nonetheless.

“Don't be stupid, Rette. The sexual tension between you two was so strong it was creating atmospheric waves.” His words sounded oddly rehearsed.

“I'm pretty sure you were feeling the sexual tension between yourself and Tallia.” I tried not to sound disgusted at the words. They would be so wrong together.

“Speaking of, did you like my genius comeback about Tallia wearing less clothes?” he asked amused. The question was so ridiculous that I knew he was actually expecting a real boy answer from me. I mean, it wasn't like I was a girl and found it awkward when he suggested another girl naked.

“Hilarious.” I spat.

“I know, right.” Louis obviously wasn't as fluent in sarcasm as I was. “Back to James, though. He doesn't invite just anyone to Hogsmeade, you know.”

“Of course not,” I agreed. “He just wants me to try out for the team, that's all.”

“He wanted you to go to Hogsmeade with him, drill that fact into your brain, Rette.”

“Don't be silly Louis, you just want me to get my hopes up.” I said, realising too late my slip up.

“So you do fancy James?” said Louis, his eyebrows raised and his eyes slightly bulging.

“I never said that,” I said, looking out the window and at the sky smothered in grey cloud. The rain could be heard on the roof and the droplets were cascading more frequently now.

“You implied it.”

“That doesn't mean I –” I look up to see that it's no use arguing. “I don't know him well enough to fancy him. I just get nervous around him, that's all. He's not too hard on the eyes, now that I think about it.”

“So you just like him 'cause” he cringed, “he's fit?” he raised one eyebrow. “So it's like Tallia around me?”

I roll my eyes. Trust Louis to find some way of converting awkward words into a way of complimenting himself.

“I get nervous around him 'cause I'm physically attracted to him.” I tried to make it sound like I wasn't just letting loose the first explanation I could find. “Not because I fancy him because he's fit.”

Louis opened his mouth to reply, but at that moment the door slid open and Liz and Lysander entered. Désirée pulled herself up, unperturbed by the sudden entrance of the pair. A box of liquorice wands was flung my way and Liz announced the train would be arriving soon and Lysander and Louis were shooed out so we could change. Louis watching me cautiously until the curtains were pulled.

It wasn't long until the train reached Hogsmeade and the sky had darkened considerably. In the crowd of students I had no choice but to lug my suitcase around, as any levitating it would be sure to get lost. It wasn't long until Désirée and I had lost ourselves from the others and emerged somehow on the other end of the platform than we had planned. Sighing I spun around and crashed unceremoniously into a hard chest. I stumbled backwards into Désirée who yelped unhappily. Firm, familiar hands gripped my shoulders and pulled me upright before I fell over my suitcase.

“Reid.” I breathed, looking up at his gorgeous face. He looked as amazing as ever, his soft skin spotless and his grey eyes as breathtaking as they had always been. His light brown hair was messier. My breath caught in my throat just looking at him. It had been a long time since I had been this close to him and it felt strangely exhilarating being in his presence again.

“Err – hi Rette,” he choked, dropping his hands from my shoulders and backing away awkwardly. I was probably the only person in Hogwarts who could get such a reaction from Reid Parkinson. A few years ago Reid and I dated and ever since we could barely have a conversation with the other without feeling overpowering sexual tension, or something like that. Frankly, it was mortifying and nowadays no one remembered the old feelings between us except Reid and I and that was how we liked it. To be honest, I didn't think I could deal with the jealous glares I would get if everyone knew I had been out with Reid Parkinson on numerous occasions.

You see, Reid was every girls definition of sex-on-legs, or at least, what they wanted him to be. Reid was Hogwarts' Untouchable. Ever since fifth-year, the year he was noticed, every girl wanted Reid Parkinson and no one ever got him. He was, in a way, the Slytherin version of James Potter, fan clubs and all, perhaps more stunning and collected then James could ever be. I had dated Reid before he was ever someone and I could only imagine that was why he didn't glare at me the way he did with his 'fan girls'.

“Reid! Are you coming or not?” a shrill voice from behind him shouted dramatically before appearing at his side and spotting me. A sly grin appeared on her face. “Annette! I didn't know you knew Reid! Do you need a ride to the castle? We have a spare seat if you want!”

Something in his voice made Beverley look at Reid suspiciously. “Right,” she said distastefully. “Well there's a seat if you need it.” She battered her eyelashes pleasantly and dared me to deny her offer. I tried not to recoil at her sickly sweet voice. It was far too innocent to be any good.

“Actually I –” I turned to my side to look at Désirée only to find she had disappeared into the bustling crowd. The rest of my words mumbled away.

“Great!” she trilled and her hand was tugging on one end of my broom before I could stop her. And there was no way in hell I was letting go of my Firebolt willingly. I let her tug me along to the carriage and pull me into it without another word. Reid followed silently.

“Guys, this is Annette. Annette this is Kairen,” Beverley gestured to a tall, muscular boy with a cute smile and soft looking hair, “Anna” the shy, brunette Ravenclaw gave me a small smile before looking away awkwardly, “and of course Reid.” She acted as though I didn't know their names, but undoubtedly knew hers.

“Actually it's Am–”

I tried to correct her, but she had already launched into a discussion that had obviously been going on before I got here, I tried to catch on, but gave up quickly as my insides boiled every time I looked at her face.

Beverley was one of those girls that would give up a limb to go out with James Potter and wasn't afraid to show it. Every second day she would be asking him to help her with homework or take her to Hogsmeade. She was also the one that hurt Dare more than anyone else and this thought echoed through my head the whole ride to Hogwarts. I even managed to forget Reid Parkinson was sitting at arms length from me and trust me, that's an extremely hard feat to do.

When we finally arrived at the magnificent castle the lurch of the carriage was the only thing that suggested our arrival and as I swiftly tore myself out of the cart the beauty of Hogwarts once again smacked me in the face. The two metre high windows of the castle towering over me shined with golden light and the huge double doors were opened wide to display the great entrance hall. A comfortable warmth settled inside me as I gazed at the place. A weight that seemed to be pressing on my shoulders lifted and I couldn't help but smile. I was back, back at my favourite place in the world. Hogwarts.

I grinned to myself and began taking the steps up to the entrance hall. We were one of the first carriages here and looking back I saw rows and rows of horseless carts coming up the track. I didn't know exactly what to do, but I went with getting into the warmth of the entrance hall and sticking my head into the great hall. It was almost completely empty apart from the three Slytherin's I had taken the carriage with, Anna and a group of giggling Ravenclaw third-years, a few small collections of round-faced Hufflepuff's and a pair of snogging Gryffindor's. Even the Professors were only just arriving. There was no way in hell I was going to sit alone at the Gryffindor table, waiting for the seventh-years.

Looking back I noticed a thicker wave of students approaching so I took to ducking into the closest bathroom so I could wait it out until someone I could sit with had most likely arrived. It was a foolproof plan, unless I waited too long and there were no seats left. I walked up to the mirror and stared at myself. My skin looked rather pale and my dark hair was far too straight and neat for my liking. I ruffled it up a little and glanced at myself once again, noticing an extremely strange item in the background.

I spun around so quickly I twisted my ankle. Stumbling a little before gripping onto a sink to pull myself up again, I looked at the thing. It had to be a urinal, right? Standing there against the wall, looking extremely exposed. I had never seen one before, so I could only assume. I limped forward a little, examining it closer. It did look like there was a drain going down from the bottom.

Somehow, I managed to miss the most important information until that second.

I yelped, I was in the boys bathroom.

“What was that?” came a voice from outside the door.

I almost yelped once again, but controlled my voice instead and threw myself into one of the cubicles shutting the door quietly behind me.

“Sounded like a girl.” said another, rougher voice as the door creaked open and three sets of feet along with male voices entered the bathroom.

“Don't be stupid,” said a voice I recognised as Albus Potter's. “There are spells to stop that from happening, girls can't get into the guys bathrooms, guys can't get into the girls bathrooms.” Liar, Albus Potter.

“Explain Moaning Myrtle then, Al. She stalks you every time you go to the toilet.” said the rougher voice.

It seemed that amongst their discussion they had completely forgotten my earlier yelp. The sound of someone using the urinal met my ears.

“Scorp mate, did you see the way Bianca was looking at you? I'd be fucking scared if I were you!” said the rough voice, who I now realised must be Lake Orion. I closed my eyes. They were talking about my sister. This couldn't be good.

“Bloody hell! I thought she was going to eat me!” said Scorpius in a high-pitched voice. A collection of heavy, appreciative laughter replied to this comment. “But seriously guys. Do you think she knows?”

“That the whole time you were dating, you were really with Emily?” asked Lake, a grin in his voice. My insides clenched, along with my teeth. Sure, there were times when I thought my sister deserved such treatment, but now wasn't one of those times. And I only just resisted the urge to burst out of the cubicle and have a go at whoever was closest to me. “Nah, McGregor's good at keeping secrets.”

“I don't know, the way she was looking at you …” said Albus nervously. “Bianca, always seems to know everything.”

“It's probably just 'cause you dumped her.” Lake slurred as their footsteps retreated. “No one ever dumps her.” The door closed behind them before I could hear Scorpius' reply.

I took a huge breath and limped out of the cubicle and towards the door. I tried to keep the pressure off my left ankle and stopped with my hand on the door handle so I could shift my weight properly, focusing completely on the pain and shoving my angry thoughts to the back of my mind. Suddenly the handle was shoved out of my hand as the door was pushed open and I stumbled forward and into the hard chest in one night. Which, instead of steadying me, stumbled with me, before gripping onto a candle holder and swinging myself and him around. I ended up chest to chest with James Potter, who was pressed up against a wall. Him looking down and me looking up, our faces so close I could smell his minty breath and see specks of green in his brown eyes.

“Detention!” said a voice which was accompanied shortly by a bang which forced me to the other side of the hall. “LeMaine and Potter, snogging in the hallway. 20 points from Gryffindor – oh wait! There are none to take away, that's a shame. We'll make it four detentions then shall we?”

I looked up as whatever spell upon me was released. Only to see Professor Swede, the head of Slytherin glaring at us with malice.

“Professor –” James began, trying to explain.

“Silence Potter!” he almost yelled. “I see you are late to the Feast.” The doors to the great hall closed at his words. “No doubt, you wanted to make an entrance, inflate that big head of yours, Potter.”

“Professor!” I tried, but he seemed to have forgotten about my presence.

“I have no problem with that, follow me.”

I gritted my teeth, but followed him nonetheless. I took a glance at James and he mouthed: sorry!

No, it was my fault, I mouthed back, stopping as Professor Swede did the same in front of the doors.

“Potter, LeMaine, if you must.” I wasn't exactly sure what he meant, but he gestured for us to enter so we did so. A few heads turned as we walked past. We must've been a lot later than we thought because we had missed the sorting and Professor Kurtson was watching Professor Chang rush the Sorting hat to the side room. We had just past the Hufflepuff table when Professor Swede entered.

If our entrance had been noisy it was nothing compared to his. The sound of both doors smacking open reached our ears and the entire school seemed to turn at once, noticing James and I, frozen in our silence. After a second of standing still we began more hastily, trying to ignore the curious eyes directed at us. I noticed Louis staring with both eyebrows raised and felt my face grow hot.

“Please excuse my lateness Robert.” said Professor Swede calmly. “I found Mr Potter and Miss LeMaine sharing spit in the corridor and thought I best remind them of our three second contact rule in this school.”

I literally froze in mid step, along with James. I felt my eyes itch and water a little along with my face get impossibly redder.

Firstly, sharing spit! That was probably the most disgusting way you could describe kissing, which, we weren't even doing!

Secondly, three second contact rule? I was sure there was no such thing as a three second contact rule. It was definitely the most ridiculous thing I had heard all Summer. Plus, we hadn't even been touching for more than three seconds!

And thirdly, this was probably what Professor Swede meant when he suggested making an entrance. Our quiet sneaking was plainly not extravagant enough, so he had to do something as cruel as this.

Swede had just made a new enemy.

A part-Veela enemy.

I'd be watching my back if I was him and probably his front too.

I spun on my right foot, not exactly sure what I was going to say to him, but sure he was not going to get away with this. James' hand was on my arm pulling me to the Gryffindor table before I could take a step.

“No problem, Foresst.” said Professor Kurtson awkwardly. “No matter – well, there will be time for talking later, for now – eat!”

The roar of voices began almost instantly and I threw myself angrily at the end of the Gryffindor table, where the entirety of the seventh-years sat. James took the seat opposite me.

“What the fuck was Swede on about?” hissed Freddie, fuming. The rest of the seventh-years seemed to all be leaning in to listen intently, all ignoring the delicious food on the table before them.

“He was just making up shit, we didn't kiss.” I said through gritted teeth, picking up a raw carrot and destroying it, while lavishing in it's pleasant taste.

“So that was what he meant by sharing spit …” commented Elliot from beside me, looking at the lumpy stew in front of him like he'd been deeply put off. Everyone ignored him.

“Then how did he get it in his head that you did?” asked Tallia sceptically. I had never wanted to punch someone so badly in my life!

“Rette stumbled onto me and I pulled her up and it must've looked like we kissed.” said James simply. Even in my ears it sounded like complete bullshit.

Freddie, Elliot and Dare laughed and the others rolled their eyes and looked away, obviously thinking he was making up a lame excuse.

“No one's going to believe that.” said Blake Lane critically, Elliot's thoughtful best friend with the entrancing eyes. He didn't look up at either me or James.

“But it's the truth, they have to believe it!” My voice came out slightly whinier than I expected.

“Just because it's the truth, doesn't mean they have to believe you.” said Blake, looking up at me pitifully. “I suggest you just go with it, the more you deny it the worse it's going to get.”

I huffed at his intelligent words and began to pile my plate with an assortment of tuna salad, chips smothered in tomato sauce and Cornish pasties. James watched me while everyone else began a new conversation, glancing towards us every now and then.

“What?” I asked, when I caught him looking at me for the fourth time.

“What are we going to say?” he asked nervously and I felt myself soften at his words. I was making a big deal out of this when really it was nothing. It would blow over in a couple of weeks and every one would have forgotten about it.

“I don't know,” I said, chewing on a chip softly. “Maybe we just tell them what you said.”

“That'll just make it seem like we're covering it up.”

“Is that such a bad thing?” I said, watching his forehead slowly crease. “I mean, it'll just blow over in a couple of weeks, right?”

“For me it's never blown over in a couple of weeks,” said James sadly, shoving around his food with his fork.

That's right, he's James Potter. Crap.

“I have an idea.” I said suddenly, feeling redness creep up my neck as I thought of it. I smiled mischievously. “We'd need help though …” I looked around the group and my eyes stopped on Fred, “… from Fred.”

Freddie looked up at his name and James looked at him curiously. I smiled, but I could feel it didn't reach my eyes. I was beginning to doubt myself and my plan.

“Firstly, I just want to know this, you do believe us, right? That we didn't kiss?” I asked solemnly.

“Course!” grinned Freddie. “She's way outta your league, mate.” He smacked James joyfully on his back. I smiled and James gave a very forced one. It was probably the best compliment that could come out of a lie.

“OK, so this is how it's going to go …”

*

“Ready?” asked Fred, his leg shaking under the table, making the bowl of raspberry jelly wiggle deliciously. I suddenly regretted making this plan happen during dessert.

“OK.” I squeaked nervously, this whole plan was undoubtedly going to bring far more attention than necessary to us three. James nodded.

“Right then – Sonorus!” he said, pointing his wand at his throat. “Professor Swede!” His confident voice filled the entire room, reaching right into the corners and everyone's ears. The sound of the whole student body turning in one fluid motion to look at Fred could be heard from behind me, but I couldn't look. James' eyes bulged slightly. “I would like to take full responsibility on Amorette's part played in the corridor out there and will happily take part in her detentions instead of her.”

My mouth gaped open. That was not part of the plan. I made to get up and stop him, but James gave me a keep-your-arse-in-your-seat-or-you'll-ruin-the-plan look. I sighed, but obeyed.

“Well you see, Professor, during the holidays James and I decided we would both make a set of love potions and feed it to our victim to see who's would be more powerful. And this is our result.” said Freddie happily, gesturing to me.

I detested the way he called me a victim; and then a result.

The whole of the seventh-year Gryffindors looked at me disbelievingly and Harper mouthed: this was your plan?

I nodded solemnly and she muttered something to Molly.

“That's ridiculous!” exclaimed Professor Swede suddenly, getting out of his seat. “Potter could never make a more powerful love potion than you!”

There was a bout of appreciative laughter from the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables. I watched Fred hesitate slightly at his unexpected reaction.

“Well Mr Weasley, if this is true it is not going to make any difference to Miss LeMaine's detention.” said Professor Kurtson. “It is still a violation of this – three second contact rule …” he gave Professor Swede an uneasy glance.

“Nevertheless, Mr Weasley, I'm sure we'd be happy to have you accompany Miss LeMaine and Mr Potter in their detentions!” said Professor Swede joyfully, to which I groaned.

Smooth Fred.

This was all my fault.

There was silence and I took a quick glance at the staff table and saw Professor Longbottom's mouth moving. I looked back down at my plate when he glanced over.

“Mr Weasley,” began Professor Kurtson in a disappointed tone. “I assure you you've disturbed this feast enough for one night. Will you please sit down and let us continue with our desserts?”

“'Course!” said Fred happily, nodding, taking his seat and pulling out his wand. “Quietus!”

“Well that went well.” I commented sarcastically as conversations around us picked up speed once again. “Now you've got four detentions too!”

“That doesn't matter, now everyone doesn't care that you kissed! They just think it's because of the potion!” trilled Fred, beaming and eating the jelly straight out of its bowl.

“Are you telling me that you'd happily take four detentions on the first week of school just so that people don't think we're secretly dating?” I asked incredulously, my mouth hanging open while my dessert went on untouched. It seemed far to respectful for something Freddie would do.

“What kind of best friend would I be if I didn't?” he replied, with his mouth almost overflowing with raspberry jelly.

“Fred – I don't know your middle name – Weasley, I would hug you if the entire school didn't think I was in love with James.” I stated simply but truthfully, taking the last jam doughnut off its plate.

I looked up to see him grinning spectacularly. “You should've seen it from up there! Louis' face – you could tell he didn't believe a word of it!” he laughed. “And that Parkinson prick was trying to kill me with his eyes. Roxy – she totally wanted to disown me as a brother. It was absolutely hilarious!”

I caught James' eye and we smiled. Freddie was almost buzzing with euphoria.

Sadly, I could. The moment I saw her I knew she was no Gryffindor or Hufflepuff and that only left Ravenclaw or Slytherin which weren't much different in the first place. I guessed that to James and Fred it was sort of like Désirée to me. I saw all the non-Slytherin parts in her, while others could easily see the Slytherin parts in her I couldn't. I knew it sounded judgemental, but personal qualities were a big part of how the sorting hat chose your house. And sure, Gryffindor's were generally stereotyped as cocky arsehole's, Ravenclaw's were ignorant know-it-alls and Hufflepuff's were the ideal person, while being intellectually and physically weak, but there was something about the cunning I'll-do-anything-to-get-what-I-want Slytherin's that had me immediately hesitant to be in their presence or associate myself with them.

It was sad considering Bianca was a Slytherin; and Désirée.

Along with the first, last and only guy I could've considered a boyfriend.

It was thoughts like these that reminded me I needed to get out more.

“Really!?” exclaimed James, in a way that told me he was merely humouring Freddie and wasn't very surprised either.

“I don't really mind though, I've barely known the girl my whole life, so it's not like I'm extremely depressed …” said Freddie, sticking his spoon once more into the jelly, only to have it disappear. He sighed and let the spoon clatter in the glass bowl.

A hush smothered the entire hall as Professor Kurtson once again took to his feet. “So, now that your stomach's have been filled and your thirst quenched, I must ask for your attention, once again.” His eyes flitted to our end of the Gryffindor table and Freddie grinned.

“I would like to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is out-of-bounds to all students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to everyone below third year. Mr Mudgar” a couple of first-years giggled at his name, “would like me to remind you that all Weasley Wizard Wheezes products a banned inside the castle. The full list of seven hundred and fifty two items can be viewed in Mr Mudgar's office if anyone feels the need to check it.

“Today I also have the pleasure of introducing you to our new Transfiguration teacher Professor Kirke.” There was a round of applause as a tall, boisterous man stood up and grinned at the crowd. I liked him already. “And our youngest addition to our staff Professor Lupin!” As the tall, dark-haired man sat down a new man stood up and a louder bout of applause followed.

At first glance I could only assume this was some sort of practical joke. The young man at the staff table had the brightest artificial blue hair I had ever seen and he was unimaginably handsome. With precisely angular features and perfectly toned skin. He was one of those guys you imagined, but could never find someone to compare with. He was an older, happier version of Reid Parkinson and James Potter, but far more dreamy.

Both Freddie and James wolf-whistled and I could only assume they knew this peculiar new teacher.

As the clapping and screaming (I know, he was that gorgeous!) died off I caught James' eye and raised an eyebrow. He smiled.

“That's Victoire's boyfriend.” he whispered.

My mouth popped open and I yawned without a thought, but smiled afterwards.

The next time I saw Victoire I was going to congratulate her, then worship her for the rest of my life and after.

She'd love that.

Kurtson continued. “As for now, it's getting late, and I'm sure your desperate to get to sleep so you can make the most of your Sunday, catching up with everyone.” I perked up at this piece of information. “Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss LeMaine, please remain behind.” I felt my heart sink a little. Tallia smirked and muttered something to Cassie. I resisted the urge to flip her off. “Now off to bed for the rest of you!”

There were scrapes and creaks and burst of chatter as everyone began the walk to their common rooms. It seemed Fred, James and I were the only ones who didn't move and I felt numerous eyes on my back as the entire Gryffindor house shuffled past.

Freddie leaned in closer from the other side of the table.

“What's the bet we're getting owls home?” he asked, eyes gleaming like he was going to beat his previous record of rule breaking on the first day.

“Yes, but one mention of the ingenious plan deviser and that could all change.” Freddie smirked.

“You wouldn't!” I breathed as James snapped forward in his seat.

“Charms and Transfiguration homework until the end of September!” suggested Fred sharply, an evil glint replacing the gleam in his eye.

“Blackmail!” I accused him loudly, as the crowd in the hall thinned.

“Don't think it's below me, Love.”

“But I'm your best friend!” I cried.

“That's exactly why you should do this for me.”

“Fine,” I said defeated, I could do some evil with this to get him back anyway.

“What was that?” he said cheekily.

“I said fine, now shut up!” I growled, not looking him in the eye.

“Shake on it …” said Freddie solemnly and I grudgingly took his hand, to which he grinned.

“I hate you Fred Weasley!”

“Love you too!”

“What's this?” asked an unexpected voice and looking up I had my breath taken away from me by the proximity between Professor Lupin and myself. Even though he was at least a metre and a half away from me. “Better not be making any raw deals Freddie, Professor Kurtson would not be impressed.” I quickly slipped my hand out of his and Professor Lupin gave me an astonishingly beautiful smile because of my action.

“Raw deals, Professor Lupin? You must not know me at all.” commented Fred to his accusation.

“And of course I don't, since this is the first time I've met you.” I was pleased to see Professor Lupin also spoke fluent sarcasm. “That was quite a speech you had there earlier. Who came up with that one?”

Freddie gestured to me and I looked up once again and smiled at him.

“Wow. A non-Weasley, I felt sure it sounded like a Weasley idea.” commented Professor Lupin.

“Well, she pretty much is,” said James, matter-of-factly. “She's Victoire's cousin, you see.”

“Well, nice to meet you –”

“– Amorette, but everyone calls me Rette.”

“Rette it is then, I best be going,” he said, glancing at Kurtson's, Swede's and Professor Longbottom's advancing figures. “See you around.” He left with a cheerful wave and it was almost painful to look away.

“Mr Weasley!” breathed Kurtson menacingly. “Never in all of the Welcoming feasts I have attended, has a student acted in such manner!” Despite saying it desperately quietly it sounded far more threatening than it would have if it was louder.

“We will be sending an owl home to your parents and you will be expected to sit out two weeks of detentions starting tomorrow.” Swede finished for Kurtson. “As for you, I assume the effects of this love potion has worn off and you wouldn't object to a test, to see whether this potion really entered your system?”

I gulped.

This sure had been thoroughly thought out.

“Yes, I do object.” I squeaked, my voice coming out a lot more high-pitched than I expected or wanted.

“Just like I thought.” said Swede his voice sweet yet dripping with sourness. “That'll be a weeks worth of detentions to add to that four then, and Mr Potter since you seem highly amused with this situation you may have the same.”

“That is completely unnecessary, Foresst!” defended Longbottom at his last suggestion.

“I don't see why not, Neville.” I felt my stomach swivel with anger at the distaste in his voice when he said 'Neville'. “I believe these students have behaved disrespectfully and I think this is a perfectly adequate punishment. Please, do consult me on your thoughts at a less ungodly hour and I may rethink my decision.” It was plain by his voice his decision would not budge no matter what was suggested. “As for now, I am going to bed. Seven o'clock Potions classroom you three. Goodnight.”

Swede was gone before Longbottom could recover.

“As am I. Neville, please escort these three to the Gryffindor common rooms, I don't want to wake in the morning to find the castle in ruins because we left three delinquents loose in the castle.” I gawked at his retreating figure.

I gave Freddie and James a look that said: what the fuck, the Headmaster just called us delinquents!

“Follow me, you three!” said Longbottom, recovering himself and strolling out after the long disappeared Headmaster.

We followed along quickly, taking probably the longest route possible. Every now and then a well known short cut would pass by and James and Freddie would sigh. Sometimes they just sighed for the sake of sighing. Or perhaps a secret passage I had never heard of was spotted. Longbottom didn't talk and we felt no need to change that, so the entirety of the walk was silent apart from footsteps and sighing. The candles began to dim as we reached the portrait of the Fat Lady and Longbottom turned to us.

“Now I don't know what inspired you to create such a commotion in the middle of the Welcoming feast, but if I hear that any of you have another detention in September then you will be required to attend a fortnightly meeting will me until the end of the year. Freddie you've had these for the last six years, shall I be seeing you again, this year?”

“Friday night, eight thirty PM, I'll see you there,” grinned Fred.

“Great.” said Longbottom, a little half-heartedly. “Off to bed now, you three – Alastor.” he nodded to the Fat Lady who swung open her portrait.

We clambered in slowly as not to make too much noise. The entire common room was empty and seemed extremely gloomy.

I spoke before we took the stairs. “So, what are we saying to everyone?” I asked James nervously.

“The seventh-years won't believe the love potion story, so I guess we tell them the truth. Everyone else can believe you kissed me because I fed you a love potion.”

We all stopped at the landing that looked over the common room.

“Are they all trustworthy?” I asked sceptically. Thinking of a girl who would probably love to ruin it all, by spreading the truth.

“Of course,” he said, looking towards Fred for agreement, but getting none because he seemed to be lost in his own little world.

“Well, night.” I said, yawning.

“Good night Rette!”

“Yeah, see you!”

I watched them disappear into the boys dormitories, before crossing the landing and taking the stairs up to the highest point, until I reached a door labelled 'Seventh-years.' The door creaked as I opened it and beams of light from the stairs lit up the room. I pulled out my wand and lit it before closing the door. Glad the girls were asleep.

I immediately spotted the only bed with open curtains and threw myself onto it. Only bothering to remove my robes I let myself fall asleep with the curtains open, no covers keeping me warm and shoes still completely intact.

I didn't care.

Disclaimer: I own 0% of this story

Author's Note: So, for this author's note I just wanted to know who of my characters you wanted to see more of. I'm sure you have a preference and I'm open to suggestions. I know I have a whole lot of characters going on in this story and my more important characters will be revealed soon enough hopefully. Please, tell me if I'm under developing things as it really helps my writing and any questions feel free to ask and I'll answer as best as I can :D